Mounting a PH5A rear sight on a No 4 rifle

cantom

cantom

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I see some PH5A sights for sale, they usually never have any mounting screws with them. I see they may need 3 screws/bolts, a longer rear guard screw, whatever bolt goes in to the hole drilled in the middle of the buttsocket (what threads are the hole tapped with?) and does it connect somehow up at the safety?

Perhaps that top screw hole is only used on an SMLE and is not used installing these on a No 4?

Pics, explanations and experience appreciated, plus suggestions on where to acquire the needed hardware.

Anyone have a complete sight with all needed hardware they'd part with?
 
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Well, you need two screws, not three.

Not sure about PH5A but on the PH5C I am sure of.....

One screw will screw in and replace the extractor. It should be longer to make up for the thickness of the side mount of the PH5C.

The other one could be either:
A- A long screw replacing the traverse pin that holds the the rear battle sight in place. the screw end will screw in the left inner side of the PH5C

B- Or, a short screw going through the hole on left side only of the rear sight retaining bracket, and again screwing from the interior ( right to left).

You should be able to find one on CGN. :)

Other wise, let me know.

BB


cantom said:
I see some PH5A sights for sale, they usually never have any mounting screws with them. I see they may need 3 screws/bolts, a longer rear guard screw, whatever bolt goes in to the hole drilled in the middle of the buttsocket (what threads are the hole tapped with?) and does it connect somehow up at the safety?

Perhaps that top screw hole is only used on an SMLE and is not used installing these on a No 4?

Pics, explanations and experience appreciated, plus suggestions on where to acquire the needed hardware.

Anyone have a complete sight with all needed hardware they'd part with?
Click to expand...
 
Hi Tom / Lou

They (PH5A) were never intended to be used on the No4 series. The PH5C was intended to be used on the No 4 series. I have seen a few no4 rifles tapped for the PH5A but that is incorrect...possible, but still incorrect.

My opinion is the PH5C was better and more stable than the PH5A. I say it has allot to do with the flat side of the No4 receiver.

This is what you need for the SMLE No1MkIII*.

5A)* SMLE type target sight mounting set. Parker Hale 5A etc. - 2 screws and safety spring.

1) A longer rear trigger guard screw, approx 1/8" perhaps a bit longer than the reg screw.
2) Mounting screw which goes into the hole that is used for the safety spring. This would be the top screw on the PH5A sight.
3) You will need the spring to keep pressure on the safety lever to keep it from coming out.

I have used these before and they work well. Sorry I do not know the thread size. But the British Lee Enfield sizes are in this range of taps and dies.

2BA tap & Die
4BA Tap & Die
3BA Tap
5BA Tap
¼ BSF Tap & Die
7/16 BSW Tap & Die

Regards

Pete
 
I have seen 5A sights mounted on No. 4s. it is necessary to d&t a hole in the butt socket, usually right through the serial on a LB. Forget trying to use a 5A; get a 5C or AJP instead. Or use a Central adapter plate, and a Central sight.
 
tiriaq said:
I have seen 5A sights mounted on No. 4s. it is necessary to d&t a hole in the butt socket, usually right through the serial on a LB. Forget trying to use a 5A; get a 5C or AJP instead. Or use a Central adapter plate, and a Central sight.
Click to expand...

There was one on EE not to long ago, perhaps a few days. In fact a Long Branch,. I have seen two in my lifetime. I have no idea why someone might do that?

The central sights are very good. You only need a different/separate base for the No4 and one for the No1MkIII*, you can use the same aperture….awesome!
 
I have a South African marked No.4 that had an extra hole drilled and tapped in the butt socket.I tried a 5A sight on it and it went right on.I assume it was used as a military match rifle before being sold as surplus.
 
Ken T2 said:
I have a South African marked No.4 that had an extra hole drilled and tapped in the butt socket.I tried a 5A sight on it and it went right on.I assume it was used as a military match rifle before being sold as surplus.
Click to expand...

Ken- Did the sight come with the needed screws? What thread of bolt holds the sight to the hole drilled in the buttsocket?
 
tiriaq said:
I have seen 5A sights mounted on No. 4s. it is necessary to d&t a hole in the butt socket, usually right through the serial on a LB. Forget trying to use a 5A; get a 5C or AJP instead. Or use a Central adapter plate, and a Central sight.
Click to expand...

I have a Central and a No.4, where can I get an adaptor plate? And regarding the foresight, is there an adaptor for a Central foresight as well?
 
Ken T2 said:
My sight came with the screws and a spring.I bought it about 30 years ago.The screw thread is the same as a Mk III safety spring screw.
Click to expand...

I appreciate the info, same as a No 1 safety spring screw thread.

I ended up putting a proper No 4 PH5C sight on it. It's a beautiful rifle. Basically in brand new condition.

No4Target001.jpg

No4Target002.jpg

No4Target003.jpg

No4Target004.jpg
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